10/11/11 - Check it out in Clarendon County

After last weekends’ exhausting array of things to do, we all should probably just settle down for a long autumn’s nap.

But No! Still too much fun to be had. Get a sweater and go do something! You never get this time back, so make the most of it.

It’s still football time!

Friday night, Oct. 14, will find many fans in stadiums. After last week’s all-away schedule, the football faithful are surely ready for some hometown pigskin play.

Clarendon Hall is at home this week after a week of rest when last week’s opponent had to forfeit. The still undefeated Saints will face off against Trinity Collegiate at Robinson Field.

The Scott’s Branch Eagles will also be at home against Timmonsville at Spann Stadium.

LMA will travel to Columbia to face Ben Lippen.

The Manning High Monarchs will also travel this week to Charleston to face Bishop England High School.

Lastly, East Clarendon will be at home against C.E. Murray.

All teams kick off at 7:30 p.m. Show ‘em some Clarendon pride!

Be sure to check www.clarendoncitizen.com Saturday morning for all the scores and wrap ups.

This is the weekend that we can get completely submerged in our rich Revolutionary War history. You will not want to miss the 9th Annual Francis Marion Symposium on Oct. 14-15. This a day-and-half of fascinating lectures and presentations, sponsored by the Swamp Fox Mural Society, at F.E. DuBose. On-site registration starts at 2 p.m. on Friday and will be followed by three fascinating lectures. Then there will be a dinner reception at the Manning Restaurant. Saturday will start early at 9:15 a.m. and will continue with talks and presentations until the 6:15 p.m. dinner theater. Clarendon County native Dr. Joe Stukes will entertain in the persona of Charles Coatsworth Pinckney. Call 478-2645 for more information or to register.

That same night is the performance of Franc D’Ambrosio at Weldon Auditorium D’Ambrosio is Broadway’s longest running “Phantom” (of the Opera) and a master of stage and song.

Six Clarendon women have auditioned for Franc and one will be chosen to go on stage and perform with him. What an honor!

This performance also includes Weldon’s first attempt at a dinner theater. There will be a complete preview of this event here at www.clarendoncitizen.com.

There are a couple more things you will want to mark on your calendar.

Next Wednesday, Oct. 19, noted author and former sports columnist Ken Burger, formerly of Charleston’s Post and Courier, will be on hand for a “Boys Night Out” dinner to benefit Clarendon Habitat for Humanity. I’ve heard Ken speak before and he is hilariously funny all while being very eloquent. Dinner will most definitely be “boy food” (translation: no quiche, no congealed salad), expertly prepared by those Manning Grillmasters, Jake Buddin and Lamar Kennedy. Girls are invited too, but best not expect any girly food (see above). Tickets are $20 and available here at the Citizen, at the Chamber and from any Habitat Board member (that would include me). It’s going to be a lot of fun, I promise.

On Oct. 29, my good friend Karen Hilton will be producing a dance/step show that she’s calling “Step in the Name of Love.” It costs $25 to participate and admission is $5 in advance, $8 at the door. All proceeds are going to the Manning High Athletic Department. The program starts at 7 p.m. at the Manning High Gym. If you have never seen a “step show” it is something you will want to see. Traditionally a set of precision march-like moves, stepping was born out of the black Greek sorority and fraternity movement and is really exciting to watch. For more information, questions, and/or comments, please feel free to call Karen Hilton at (803) 651-9208 or email at ladykay_112@yahoo.com.

Also on the 29th, it will be another jam-packed weekend as both Clarendon Hall and Laurence Manning Academy host their annual Halloween events, Boo Mania and Catfest, respectively. Both schools put on a tremendous show and if I had kids, I’d work it so that I could hit both events.

The place to get all the details as well as some interesting previews of these events is at www.clarendoncitizen.com. There are new stories here at least twice a day and even when the “top story” changes, the other stories are still here. Click the “Local” tab to see what’s going on.

I always feel like I’m leaving something out. If you are aware of an event that needs mentioning here, please let me know by emailing me at news@clarendoncitizen.com.

Fall is just my favorite time of the year and our county is bursting with great events and things to do. Take advantage of some or all of these opportunities. Many provide relatively inexpensive entertainment that do not require fancy apparel or a tank of gas to get there. We are truly blessed.

Have a great week, y’all!